The Path to the Vision

Research

In order to capture maximum input from practicing physiatrists, AAPM&R leveraged digital communications, new technology, and in-person discussions. Research was conducted by Academy staff and volunteers as well as by a professional facilitator. The following is an outline of the types of research tactics used to support this endeavor.

Virtual Town Halls

Physiatrists talked PM&R Bold with their peers to envision the future of PM&R. These webinar-style town halls were held throughout the summer and fall of 2016. Hosted by professional researchers and AAPM&R leadership, participants had a chance to share ideas, hear others' challenges, and provide actionable solutions.

Members: Head to PhyzForum, the Academy's online member community, to read the great insights discovered during the many Virtual Town Halls.

In-Person Gatherings

Physiatrists gathered in cities across the U.S. to envision the future of PM&R. At their local Community Gatherings, physiatrists met with their peers to network and discuss the specialty while enjoying drinks and appetizers in a casual, relaxed atmosphere.

September 8 - Chicago

September 21 - Philadelphia

September 22 - New York

November 3 - Dallas

November 10 - Seattle

Analysis

The quantitative and qualitative results of the 2016 Visioning PM&R BOLD survey were analyzed as well as the documented qualitative input from interviews, focus groups, Community Gatherings, Member Council gatherings, etc. The data was tracked, reviewed, and “tagged” to validate the recurring themes we gathered from respondents. “Tags” were then used to create a naming convention to denote when we heard similar input throughout the qualitative research.

Demographics

More than 1,000 physiatrists representing varied clinical, practice, and geographic areas provided their input. Research was focused to ensure we heard from physiatrists in:

Musculoskeletal Medicine

Pain Medicine/Neuromuscular Medicine

Central Nervous System Rehabilitation

Pediatric Rehabilitation/Developmental Disabilities

General and Medical Rehabilitation

Residency

Academic and Research Settings

Affiliated Private Practice

Non-affiliated Private Practice

Private Practice Multi Specialty Group

Private Practice PM&R Group

Private Practice Solo

Outpatient

Inpatient Rehabilitation Facilities

Skilled Nursing Facilities

Long-Term Acute Care

Home Health

Acute Care

Community Hospitals

Cancer Rehabilitation Medicine

Rural Physiatrists

Women in Physiatry

Early Career Physiatrists

Your Input

Here are some thought-provoking excerpts from some of the physiatrists we spoke to:

"We’re trying to get in earlier...We know alternative payment plans/models will be looking for streamlining and we have to figure out where we come in, and our cost savings."

Source: MSK Virtual Town Hall

“There should be a physiatrist in every ICU. Every brain injury patient should be seen by a physiatrist. We excel in this area and we are underutilized.”

Source: Interview – New Orleans Site Visit

“There is an opportunity forprimary care partnerships, with a tiered triage where primary refers to physical therapy first, then escalate to PM&R, and then to surgery.”

Source: Interview – Philadelphia Site Visit

“Post-Acute Care is an opportunity for us to be leaders… While we’re doing some, there are so many more opportunities to be leaders on the adult and pediatric side. Our livelihood has been in the IRF setting, but we can do the same thing in other settings.”

Source: Interview – Seattle Site Visit

“The concept of a medical home originated from working with pediatric patients with disabilities, so physiatrists in general… have the opportunity to lead this effort and show others how to structure medical homes.”

Source: Pediatrics Virtual Town Hall

“There are opportunities in the geriatric world – fall prevention, general wellness, etc. The term ‘prehabilitation’ is often a descriptor.”

Source: Seattle Focus Group

“We need to play a role assuring that in every phase of the PAC continuum, patients achieve anticipated outcomes in a cost-effective manner. We do that in the IRF environment, but we need to broaden this scope and hold companies accountable for functional outcomes.”

Source: General & Medical Rehabilitation Virtual Town Hall

“I’m in a big health system and faculty will go and spend a day or 2 per week with primary care. We also work with hospital administrators and contribute to their directive to improve access because we’re in the best position to determine what level of care a patient needs.”

Source: Pain Virtual Town Hall

“There is an acute MSK role potentially in ortho partnerships, where PM&R is the non-surgical case manager for a surgical group.”

Source: Outpatient Annual Assembly Focus Group

“Be more closely involved with acute care consults to shorten length of stay.”

Source: Community Gathering Feedback Card

Themes

Theme 1:

Across all research avenues, there is an opportunity to be positioned at the entry point and/or early in patient care as they enter the health care system. Early in care is a broad statement, but specific examples provided by physiatrists include:

Theme 2:

The second cross-cutting theme focused on the opportunities to further expand and continue to be transformational across the continuum of health care and in doing so, apply physiatric principles that deliver value. Expanding across the continuum includes:

Driving integration across the post-acute care spectrum

New or expanded models for delivery of MSK/ambulatory care

Applicable to settings and clinical areas where PM&R has not traditionally been before. Examples include cancer rehabilitation and palliative care

Visioning PM&R BOLD Summit

At the end of February 2017, 50 physiatrists gathered to discuss your input, the emerging themes, and potential visions for the future of physical medicine and rehabilitation as a result of this BOLD data. They collaborated on models and discussed the barriers that need to be addressed to secure a thriving future for the specialty. Thank you to our Summit participants!